Columbia River Steel and Construction expands

Columbia River Steel and Construction in Grandview purchased property from the Port of Grandview on Wallace Way in order to expand services. The building featured behind the sign to the left is newly constructed.

GRANDVIEW - Life goes on.

That's the philosophy of John Flodin and Rex Dibeck, co-owners of Columbia River Steel and Construction, when it comes to the struggling economy. And it's not said with a devil-may-care attitude, it's said with great optimism.

Flodin and Dilbeck are currently in the process of expanding the company's fabrication capabilities, which includes the erection of a new 10,800 square foot shop.

"The building we're doing is for our own personal jobs," said Flodin. When the economy turns around, Columbia River Steel expects to be a full service manufacturer for steel buildings.

Flodin and Dilbeck's company has three branches of service: general contracting, sub-contracting and providing materials.

"We do whatever people need us to do," he said. "If they just need a general, we'll be a general. If they just need a sub, we'll sub. If they just need materials, we'll supply the materials," said Flodin.

Dilbeck said the two men have considered expanding services for the past two or three years. Flodin said right now is the perfect time to build.

"People still have to live...life goes on," Flodine said. Dilbeck added, "We're not crazy to build in this company. Now's the best time to build. Material costs, everything, is down. People are hungry, people want to work."

Continued Flodin, "It's a good time for construction."

Columbia River Steel and Construction purchased the property its expanding onto from the Port of Grandview. The company employees 32 people, but Dilbeck and Flodin believe that when the economy turns around, they will be able to hire more.